Columbia International University Athletics

Columbia, SC -- The Columbia International University men's basketball came was looking to reverse the trend that they were on and pick up a win. The Rams welcomed Crown College of the Bible to the Moore Fitness Center for a Tuesday night game. The Rams shot almost fifty percent for the night and dominated in the paint with 54 points, but the Rams also pulled down an amazing 54 rebounds. With the Rams work around the basket they won by the final score of 95-76. With the win the Rams move to 7-20 on season, while the Royal Crusaders fall to 2-19.

The Basics

• Score: CIU 95 / Crown 76
• Records: CIU 7-20 / Crown 2-19
• Location: Columbia, SC

How it Happened:

• The Rams would open the game on an early 8-2 run with points from Jacob Cook, Micah Banks, and Damian Hurta. However, the Royal Crusaders would fight back to tie the game at eight. The two teams would fight as the Rams would take a four or six point lead only to see the Royal Crusaders pull back within two points. Starting at the 8:02 mark the Rams would go on an 11-0 run with four different Rams scoring. The Rams would close the half up by twelve with the score of 51-39. At the half Cook led the Rams with 13 points, while Hurta and Damarcus Gay had 11 points each.
• The Royal Crusaders came out strong after the half and trimmed the Rams lead back to single digits. The Rams and Royal Crusaders would go back and forth with scoring, but the Rams were able to regain a double digit lead. Over a two minute span the Royal Crusaders went on a 10-0 run to trim the Rams lead to ten, 73-63. After that run the Rams went on a 17-7 run of their own to push the lead back to twenty points with just under three minutes left to go in the game. As the final horn sounded the Rams put a halt to their losing streak and won 95-76.

Inside the Columbia International Box Score:

• The Rams shot 49.3% (36-of-73) from the field and were 8-of-20 from the three point line
• The Rams also dominated inside with 54 points in the paint and 54 rebounds with 19 of them being on the offensive end
• The team also had a season high 27 assists
• Damarcus Gay led the Rams with 20 points
• Damian Hurta and Jacob Cook each had 19 points and seven rebounds
• Gabe Kirk had a double double with 13 rebounds, 10 points and also had six blocks
• Micah Banks had a solid night with 10 assists and nine points

Inside the Crown Box Score:

• The Royal Crusaders shot 35.9% (28-of-78) from the floor and were 10-of-30 from beyond the arch
• John Boutchia had 24 points and seven rebounds for the Royal Crusaders
• Jacob Mooney had a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds

Coach's Comments:

• "I thought the guys played really well tonight and they were able to execute some of the things that we have been talking about at practice," said Head Coach Marshall Tague. "The guys were very unselfish tonight and were making the extra pass as we finished with 27 assists. The guys trusted one another and played like they can so I hope they continue that as we close out the season."

Up Next:

• The Rams will be back in action on Saturday as they host Erskine College at 3 p.m.